Who can tell me which mfg. makes a good quality 1:66 twist muzzleloader (for shooting round balls with patch)? I have a T/C that shoot sabots, but want to find a muzzleloader that has a 1:66 twist but can't find one anywhere.
Thanks for your help.

I want the 1:66 twist because I was told that is the twist that shoots round ball with patch the best? Anyway, got a 1:32 and 1:48 twist and wanted to shoot round ball ammo. Been looking for an older Hawken rifle with this twist but they are hard to find.

Skydiver, the "best" comment is the start of a never ending argument. There are 1:48 proponents and others for all other twists. Caliber and your intended use are factors in what twist you might choose. The popular thinking (and there are those who will debate this) is a 1:66 is a bit more forgiving of load variations than 1:48 and will handle heavier hunting charges better than a faster twist. OTOH, you may have to use heavier loads to get the accuracy you want. You will eventually meet people who will tell you 1:36/48/56/66/72/80/etc is the "best".
You need to shoot more, learn more then make your own choice.
BTW, I shoot 1:48 and 1:66 in .45 cal. for target and some hunting. My .54 for hunting is 1:72. I also use for target but it consumes a lot of powder, makes a lot of noise and has noticable recoil.
Everything is a trade off. Learn then make your choice.

out of my T/C Firestorm 1:48 twist 24" bbl using 110gr of Goex FFFG powder and 370gr T/C Maxi Ball conical with a fresh clean or swabbed bore after a shot on a solid rest can hit dead center at 100yds. this is the best combination for my gun, as we all know results always vary from gun to gun and you have to find the best for your particular gun.

however, typically a slower twist rate will work best with a PRB but with my gun im only getting a 1/2 rotation and it is accurate with the load combination.

HH said: "1:48 is a good medium between conicals and round balls but it isn't the best for either."

See, I told you it was a non-ending argument. HH I know master gun builders and some championship shooters (all prb) who will argue until the campfire is cold that you are wrong.
If you visit the G.M. Davis gun museum in Claremore, OK, you will find all their guns, thousands of them, are very nicely labeled with spec. data. The muzzle loaders look to be 90% 1:48 barrels. Them old timers had some kinda preference for that twist.
I can't speak for maxis, conical, etc. but I do believe any of the popular prb twists can be dialed in for top accuracy. The 1:48 will work fine with lesser charges and will work OK with heavier but not necessarily 'X' center accuracy.
Personally, I lean towards the 1:66 as an all arounder. Requires heavier charges for top accuracy but accepts very heavy charges for hunting situations with no loss of accuracy.
Please note, I didn't say you are wrong. Just pointing out there are those, with impressive credentials, who will say you are. Many believe it is the best for round balls.
I will agree with you that it is a very good "medium" choice and that is why it is found in many, if not most, factory made muzzle loading rifles. Good comprimise.

Skydiver3346
You have specifically listed 1:66 in in keeping with the spirit of this post, There are fewer than you might expect. Look at the Pedersolis although you will pay more. Lyman Great Plaines has been mentioned and they are good as well. At this point, might add that your thinking is right on track.

My round ball shooter is a TC Pennsylvania Hunter in 1:66 and it is a tack driver at 100yds. Strictly round ball, matched. Peep sights and Lyman front sight. Too heavy for my field work but great on the bench. Fortunately, I have seen quite a few on GunBroker lately. ....
Would also add that a freind of mine, has a .50 Pedersoli Frontiersman, percussion, that he wants to sell. Let me know if you are interested in making contact with him.

Rifleman
Has it on this one and pretty much on track on his entire reply. My conicals don't shoot as well out of my 1:66 and it needs a bit more stability. There is even some difference between conicals. 1:48 is like some hats that say; One size fits all. If you understand how twist works, you will see why projectiles perform different. You can never go wrong with a 1:66 on a PRB ...

Quote:

The TC isn't a true representation of a Hawken tho if that matters.

It doesn't and all listed are classified as Non-Replicas. However, most are in the "Spirit" of the true Hawken and that includes the TC-Hawken. ....

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